Murayana mokuy (#112-19)
Ochre on wood, 82 x 20 x 13 cm, 2019
This carving is a mokuy (devil spirit) named Murayana. Murayana is travelling north from Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella) to a Garma bungul ground (big ceremony ground) for tribes associated with the Yirritja moities.
Murayana hears the distant sound of yidaki (didgeridoo) and is captivated. He follows the yidaki west to Barringarr where the Wirra Wirra tribe are playing a beautiful yidaki. He asks the people “Where is that yidaki”.
The Wirra Wirra people try to hide their favourite Yidaki and play others to distract Murayana. He persists in his questions and will not accept any other yirrdaki and when he hears the Yidaki in question he says, Ŋarra murrinbuy, narraku yirrdaki” (Yes, that’s my Yidaki). He then runs away with the yidaki to Gapuwiyak.
The design depicted on the chest is associated with guku (honey) and is painted on the chests of Gupapuyŋu men during Ngarra and Dhapi ceremonies.
$1,200.00
1 in stock
Interested in this artwork but thinking about a commission? Email us to discuss the details.
